My name is Charlotte O’Shea and I used to have an addiction to coats. If Outerwear Anonymous existed, I probably should have joined. I’m pretty sure that I’m over it now, at least even though I might add several to my virtual basket on any one online shopping expedition, I don’t actually click “buy”.
I put it down to having a general wardrobe melt down when I turned 30. I was never that sure about my fashion choices so hiding my questionable outfit with a fabulous coat seemed like an excellent compromise. That was until our utility room has essentially morphed into some sort of cloakroom for my vast collection. At the point where we could no longer get to the washing machine, James told me it simply had to stop.
I discovered I had coats still with the labels in, coats I had worn once and even two exactly the same. I’d like to point out that none of them were expensive per se, all sales bargains and high street steals but still, what a waste. And I think that was the root of my obsession, I never spent enough time seeking out “the one”, or even considering exactly how practical they were. A pale cream number from H&M? trashed after a few trips on the tube. A long navy design from Warehouse? just not warm enough. And it cut my legs off in a funny place so they looked even shorter than they actually are.
These days I limit myself to two coats a year. One for casual/daily wear and one for evenings out or when I simply need to look a little smarter for meetings with clients and the like. I feel very proud and virtuous having overcome my erm….cold season layer demons.
For general cosy-ness and shelter from the rain I favour a fur-lined parker, ALWAYS with a hood. And for fancier outings, something more fitted and chic.
As it happens this year I’m still wearing last winter’s bargain khaki green Parka from Zara, it’s looking a tad tired but I’ve not found anything quite right to replace it. Besides, my latest posh coat purchase was so spendy (James treated me for Christmas but still, I’ve never spent that much on a coat before) I don’t think I should be bashing my plastic until well, at least Spring.
The piece in question is the wool trench with leather details from The Kooples. Which yes, is now half price in the sale. And when it went into the sale initially they even had my size. I know I know, it just makes you do a heavy sigh of frustration doesn’t it?. I’m telling myself that I wasn’t to know, and besides, I had a good two months wear out of it before it was reduced anyway.
The black version is also lush (with 50% off!) and as I write there are more sizes available than in the grey. What I would say is go up a size – I normally take a UK 6 but unless I was planning on some kind of flasher costume with just underwear, you will need to go bigger in order to comfortably wear a jumper underneath.
Non replacement parka aside, I am rather taken with some slightly lighter options for the warmer months. Ahem, I promise I will only buy one folks, the two coat per year rule will be abided by I swear. I’m loving this pale grey trench from ASOS. And even though I’m absolutely not allowed it, this Maxi Military coat in wine is the best thing I’ve seen in ages.
I must just point out, coats are not to be confused with jackets. There is absolutely no limit on those, I couldn’t live without my denim, leather, suit, spangly……..
What coat have you bought this season? Or are you still looking? What is the max you would be prepared to spend? Do you sometimes buy quite a few ‘bargain” items only to wish you had bought the one more luxe piece that you’ll possible wear forever?
This capsule wardrobe thing…..I’m trying really hard, honest!
I can totally understand. My collection never got out of hand as such but I never owned a coat that I really loved. Until know. I’m a bit weary when it comes to spending a lot of money on clothes but realised recently that the spendier things in my closet get so munch more wear. My latest addition is this Mac from Hobbs: https://www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productid=0115-3087-9057L00&productvarid=0115-3087-9057L00-LATTE%20BEIGE-10&EL_COUNTRY=GB&EL_CURR=GBP&EL_LANG=EN . Not really warm enough for winter but that didn’t really stop me wearing it all the time as it fits so nicely I feel smart even if I’m wearing my gym kit underneath. I know it’s not quite as extravagant as the kooples beauty you’ve got but until recently spending over a 100 on anything would have been extravagant for me. I’m still on the lookout for a proper winter coat and totally need to stop talking myself out of it and order your tassel boots.
Love it Kat! So chic – and timeless. To be honest I only “spent” this much because James offered to buy it me for Christmas, I love it, but not sure I could have justified it to myself. The Tassel boots are ace, so comfy too x
I’m am totally up there with you in loving coats but finally deciding I needed to think about practicalities. The crunch point for me was being wet cold and miserable waiting for the train every morning at a remote station in Wiltshire!!
So I invested in a padded, waterproof, 3/4 length coat from Barbour’s arctic range and I honestly think its the best purchase I have ever made!!! It is like wearing your duvet. Far more expensive than any coat I’ve every had before but oh my it is so warm, properly waterproof and I don’t even feel like a slob in it. It has been worn pretty much every day since October and still looks brand new.
Sarah this comment made me laugh! My sister has a Barbour type coat and described it in exactly the same way! “Like a duvet”! sounds amazing – and perfect for the cold and drizzle x
I am in need of a coat (my bespoke wool coat that I had made up when Shanghai a few years back is getting thin) but have been very uninspired this season to be honest. If anyone can direct me to a great mid length, single breasted, military style coat – preferably in a dark grey or navy – I would be very grateful. *sigh*
Caroline I’ll keep on the lookout, what is your budget?
Thanks Charlotte! Budget is up to £200, but might find a bit more for something fabulous.
(I feel I have been spoilt a bit as my Shanghai coat was only £55!)
What about this one Caroline – http://www.johnlewis.com/jigsaw-collarless-column-coat-navy/p2473065 Just spotted it on an email!
Oooh lush!
That is lovely! Thanks Marianne!
A trip to John Lewis on Oxford Street I think is needed this weekend.
By winter 2014 I had amassed a sizeable collection of coats while my poor hubby’s was practically threadbare. I went shopping with him and told myself I did not need a new one until Spring sales/Autumn 2016. Well that plan went out the window in one shopping trip and I came home from TK Maxx with a bargain Michael Kor coat. It is perfect – a dark khaki colour, with the softest lining, a stylish belt, and the all important hood! It is smart, yet goes well with casual clothes and is so breathable that besides summer I have worn it all year round. Last week the zip broke!!!!! The main feature of the coat is a gold exposed zip up the front I am absolutely devastated as a new zip just won’t look right
Claire could you not get another gold zip? sounds lovely. And a bargain. x
I’m going to look into it but with it being the main centre of the coat I’m just worried a replacement won’t look right or a seamstress will mess it up!
I hear you Charlotte! I am the same, I have a 3 door wardrobe full of coats, so bad that they are now hanging on the doors outside the wardrobe. I love them all; I try to wear most of them as much as I can. I’m the same with boots, ankle boots. I just have a “thing” for Winter fashion.
The sales just now are fab!, toooo tempting – but like you; I’m trying so hard not to buy anymore.
In fact I set myself a goal that I don’t spent any money on anything except the necessities in February to see how much I can save or shame myself into how much money actually I waste!!
Marlene I hear you on the boots. And yes…winter fashion. I just love it. I’m trying really hard not to even look for fear I’ll just buy more things I don’t need! I think I might join you on the February restrictions 🙂 x
@Charlotte – Are these boots the sand version of the best boot find of 2015?? If so, I’m very tempted.
Yes my love! I have them in black, sand and the tan – in fact, I even have a back up of the tan…. 🙂 x
I can totally relate Charlotte, I’m a massive coataholic! It means you can just wear a combination of jeans, black trousers, t shirts and jumpers year round but still look super sharp. After amassing an enormous collection of cheap tat I cleared the whole lot away and now have a new approach. I buy just one of each style (black wool, leather, masculine, duster, feather filled parka, outdoorsy walking, blazer etc etc) so this means I have the perfect coat for every occasion and because I have a good choice, with regular dry cleaning they last for yearssssss. Winner! The next on my list is the perfect Mac for spring hmmm….x
Claire I could be tempted by a duster, it’s that perfect kind of in-between look for the two coats I’ currently rotating. Any suggestions would be greatly received x
The fringed boots your wearing in the pic are lush!! Where are they from?? I really, really need a pair!
Hi Louise! They are From Free People (they now have a UK site!) they were about £78 I think and super comfy. I have them in black, tan and this sand colour….I don’t apply the same restrictions to boots as I do to coats 🙂 x
You can never have enough boots, never! I’ve got a serious black boot addiction at the mo that these would fit in nicely with, but the tan ones would be lovely with dresses in spring! Thanks for introducing me to the Free People site, it’s fab! X